September 3, Saturday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought is an updated version of AMI QT Devotional first posted on August 25, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Who Is Jesus to Me?”

Luke 7:18-35

The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19 calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” 21 In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” 24 When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written,. “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you. 28 I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 (When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just,[c] having been baptized with the baptism of John, 30 but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.) 31 “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’ 33 For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.”

As great as John the Baptist was (of whom Jesus once said in Luke 7:28, “Among those born of woman there is no one greater than John”), here we see him doubting or questioning or being confused about the identity of Jesus Christ based on his own expectation and situation (vv. 18-20). For John, if Jesus were to be the Christ, then why was there still injustice in his days and he put in prison? In response to such enigma, Jesus said, “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me” (v. 23). Jesus is the very cornerstone on which we need to build our lives according to Him. But for some, Jesus actually is a stumbling block to their success in life (1 Pet 2:8). Is Jesus a precious cornerstone or stumbling block? Have I gotten Jesus wrong because He does not meet my expectation?

What do I really want God to do in my life? Is it about seeing people being healed, disarming the kingdom of darkness, and the gospel message being heard all over the world (vv. 21-22)? Or am I waiting for God to meet my own needs and expectations? John was a prophet, and also “more than a prophet” (v. 26). John was more than a prophet in a sense that he was the last and greatest prophet under the Old Covenant. Unlike the other prophets who witnessed from a far distance (time-wise), John had the privilege to witness and testify God’s Son in humanity (John 1:19ff.). Yet even John the greatest prophet was least in God’s kingdom under the New Covenant (v. 28) since the measure of greatness in the prophetic ministry lies in clarity and conviction of the prophetic message mainly Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, John was beheaded in injustice before he experienced Christ’s death and resurrection and glorification.

For us living under the New Covenant, God’s redemptive work through His Son Jesus Christ is no longer what God would someday accomplish; it is a historical fact. How much am I excited about the gospel ministry? Is the eagerness there to witness Jesus Christ? What would it take for me to proclaim the gospel to others than remain silent?

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for treating you like my personal Jeannie. You are always my Lord and Savior. I shall always worship and obey you, and serve your kingdom interest here on earth. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Kings 7-8

September 2, Friday

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 30, 2013

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Remembering the Helpless and the Fatherless”

Psalm 10:12, 14, 17

Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless. 14 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. 17 You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry …

Living in affluence, we often forget that “God has chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith” (James 2:5). Even worse, since most of us are too focused on our wants and needs, we often neglect the poor around us, even disdaining them. In fact, spoiled by Bless-Me-Here-&-Now theology, we often complain at the slightest inconvenience to our comfortable living. We think we are the pobrecitos! How can we wake up from the stupor of our soul?

Today we are reminded that our troubles can be an opportunity to experience the comforting presence of God. It can also wake us up! So if you feel afflicted for whatever reasons, thank the LORD for it and seek His presence. Be “poor in the spirit” so that you can experience “the kingdom of heaven” on earth (Matt. 5:5).

And it is in such state of our soul that we can truly commit ourselves to God. It is there that we can truly remember the helpless, help the fatherless, and listen to the cry of the afflicted. Before leaving home today, spend a moment in Him

Prayer: Dear Jesus, despite Your beatitude of “Blessed are the poor in the spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” I confess that I dislike being poor in any-thing. Thus, help me to see and accept that when I feel poor, whether financial, emotional or spiritual, I can truly experience You, which is a good thing. Amen

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Kings 6

Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 21:1-4: “Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2 and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

James 2:5: “Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?

Question to Consider

1. Ultimately what really matters is how God assesses our lives and whether He sees it fit to use our stories for His work. In light of James 2:5, the question here is who (or whose action) was praised by Jesus at the expense of whom?

2. Why does God favor the poor? (1 Cor. 1:27-9)

3. Most of us wouldn’t take a literal vow of poverty in hopes of being used by God. So then, what can we do to embody a heart that uniquely belongs to those who are poor, naturally inclining them toward dependency on God? (e.g., 1 Cor. 7:29-31).

Notes

1. A poor widow was praised over wealthy people for giving all that she had to live on.

2. God simply won’t share His glory with anyone. While the weak and the lowly don’t have much in themselves to aid God’s work, the wise and the strong typically think that they do. Thus, God prefers to use the weak and despised in His work so that no one can take credit for something He did. This shows that making ourselves available to God’s work with humility is more important than showing up with our talents, pedigree and gadgets.

3. Based on the logic of 1 Cor. 7:29-31, we live as if we were poor, that is, not rich. Paul states, “And those who buy as though they had no goods, ³¹and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.” This means that we don’t flaunt our wealth to impress people; we don’t look down on people for whatever reasons, we use our resources to do God’s kingdom work.

Evening Reflection

As you look back to today, were you aware of God’s presence? Too busy to notice Him? Write about it, prayerfully think about ways to make improvements, and do better tomorrow. Ask the Lord for help.

September 1, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on June 9, 2016, is provided by Phillip Chen who is associate pastor at Kairos Christian Church in San Diego. Phil is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Did God Mess Up?”

Galatians 3:21-29 (ESV)

Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law.22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave[g] nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.

The giving of the law seemed contrary to the promise of God that salvation was purely by grace. Is salvation by human effort or by God’s grace? So this is a valid question: Did God mess up? Is God contradicting himself? Paul is saying, “Absolutely not!” Law and grace do not contradict one another, but actually complement one another in God’s plan of salvation for His people. Philip Ryken uses this baseball analogy as an illustration to help us understand this:

“For two glorious summers, the Chicago Cubs taught baseball fans the fundamentals of Reformation theology. First, the Cubs made a trade for Vance Law and started him at third base. Then a few months later, they brought first basemen Mark Grace up from the minor leagues. There they were, right next to each other in the batting order: Law and Grace. They were in the proper order too, first Grace, batting in the fifth position, and then Law. For as Paul explained to the Galatians, God gave grace to Abraham before He gave Moses the law. And there they stood on the baseball diamond – Grace and Law – holding down opposite corners of the infield. Opposing batters would smash the ball to third, where Law would knock it down and throw it over to first for the out. Law to Grace to retire the side. Law and Grace are not opponents; they are teammates working together for the salvation of God’s people. The law leads to grace, which is to be found only in Christ.”

I don’t know if you’ve ever felt the tension between the law and grace, where you felt captivated by the amazing grace given to you, but felt like you had to repay that grace by making sure you follow all the rules. It’s not meant to be that way. It’s always been about grace. The law is not meant to be a vehicle for salvation, but it is meant to reflect our sins to us and redirect us to the grace of God. Again, it is the perfect teammate to grace, working side by side for the salvation of God’s people. Today, be confident in His grace, and hold onto His law, knowing that both are working for your good.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for Your law that not only teaches me how to live this life the right way, but also magnifies Your amazing grace in my life. May I daily seek to meditate upon your word and Your law, knowing that it has been given to me for my benefit. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Kings 6

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 119:97-104 (ESV): Oh how I love your law! It is my mediation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way.

Question to Consider

1. What is the psalmist encouraging us to do?

2. What are the benefits of holding onto the law of God?

3. What is your experience of the law of God? What is your perception of it?

Notes

1.The psalmist encourages us to meditate on the law of God day and night because it is for our benefit.

2. It give us wisdom and understanding. If God created us and designed us, His law is meant to be a manual on how we are to live this life with the most joy and fulfillment.

3. Self-Reflection.

Evening Reflection

How do you treat “the law of God?” Do you disregard the law because it’s all about grace? Or have you become legalistic and you are unable to receive or give grace? Tonight, ask God to help you to hold onto the radical middle—understanding that the law and His grace is what works together for our benefit.

August 31, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on September 1, 2016, is provided by Pastor Jason Sato who, along with his wife Jessica and three young children, serves in Japan as an AMI missionary. Jason is a graduate of UC San Diego (BS) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“With Friends Like These, Who Needs Enemies?

John 11:1-16 (ESV)

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. [2] It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. [3] So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” [4] But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” [5] Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. [6] So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. [7] Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” [8] The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” [9] Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. [10] But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” [11] After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” [12] The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” [13] Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. [14] Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, [15] and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” [16] So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

Love can be described in many ways, but our culture tends to define it in terms of safety and pleasure. A loving spouse will do everything in his power to provide security and positive emotions. A loving parent will do everything in her power to reduce the risk of injury or pain. Of course safety and pleasure are related to love, but they do not define love. God does.

Lazarus is the one whom the Lord loves (v. 3), yet Jesus does not visit him when he is very ill. Jesus loves Martha and Mary and Lazarus (v. 5), yet He allows the sisters to weep and grieve, and Lazarus to die. With friends like these, who needs enemies? But Jesus really does love them and are doing all this for their own good. Jesus knows that happy circumstances, safety, and pleasure bring only fleeting joy. Eternal joy and eternal life cannot be found in such things. In John 17:3, Jesus declares, “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

As the story unfolds, Thomas realizes that being with Jesus is better than life itself. Martha clings to her faith in Jesus and finds a hope in the resurrection that cannot be shaken, even by the death of her brother. Lazarus is raised from the dead. The disciples see that Jesus reigns even over life and death. In His love, Jesus desires for His people to have more than safety and pleasure—He wants us to know Him.

The world, the flesh, and the devil would have us believe that we can only be happy if we live in a particular place, have a particular kind of family, or work at a particular kind of job. We are led to believe that there is nothing greater than a lack of danger and a lack of pain—and this is not true. Knowing and being known by the Lord of Glory is greater. Jesus works all things for this ultimate good.

Prayer: Father, we thank You that Your glory shines brighter than the sun. We are tempted to retreat from uncertainty and pain, but may we walk with You even through the valley of the shadow of death that we might know You in Your death and resurrection. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Kings 5

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV): Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. [5] Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; [6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Question to Consider

1. What can interfere with our joy in the Lord?

2. How can we fight for our joy?

3. As we fight for joy, what does God do?

Notes

1. Anxiety about our current needs and troubles.

2. We can fight for our joy through prayers of supplication and thanksgiving.

3. God will give us His peace that will guard our hearts and minds from the lies of the enemy. When we dwell on God’s truth and promises, we will have peace and be able to consistently rejoice.

Evening Reflection

Reflect on your day. How did God show His love to you? Were you tempted to doubt God’s love today? How could God be using the difficulties of the day to draw you closer to Him?

August 30, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on August 25, is provided by Emerson Lin. Emerson, who serves in E. Asia as a missionary, along with his family, was recently ordained. Congratulations. He is a graduate of University of California, San Diego and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Joy of Seeing”

John 9:25-7

He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” 26 Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?”27 He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?”

A few months ago, during the last stretch of the hike through a cave in Sequoia National Park, our tour guide brought us into an open area in its most natural state. Once the breaker was shut off, we experienced pitch- black darkness. I could not see anything in front of me! The longer we stayed in the dark, the more fearful and uncomfortable I became. Once the breaker was back on, I was able to see again and felt a sense of relief.

Can you imagine the blind young man’s joy when Jesus healed him? I was joyful of the lights after experiencing 20 minutes of darkness, yet this young man experienced a lifetime of darkness. Jesus didn’t just physically heal this man, but his physical healing led to an emotional healing. In those days, the Jews believed that deformities were a result of God’s punishment over a family (John 9:1-2, 34). Imagine the social shame that was placed on him, as well as his family. Through this healing, we see his overwhelming joy in verse 25: “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know; I was blind but now I see!”

We, too, have experienced this joy! We were once spiritually blind and spiritual outcasts, but through Jesus, we were accepted and could see. This joy is vital to our faith. When we’re struggling with our family, work, relationships, and ministries, in order for us to persevere, we need the joy of the Lord. Nehemiah 8:10 says, “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” It refreshes us when we are tired and renews us when we are weary.

When we lack the joy of the Lord, we burn out. Like the Pharisees, we will even begin to discourage those who have experienced powerful ministry from the Lord. Ultimately, we stop believing that God is working our lives.

Are there indications that you are losing joy in your life? I encourage you to ask the Lord for more joy. Another great way to restore joy is to surround yourself with testimonies of God’s work in people’s lives. As you hear more, your spirit will be refreshed. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for bringing me out of spiritual blindness and into Your marvelous light. Thank You for the joy that comes with the gospel. Help me to continually live in the joy that I have found in You because it sustains me. If I am lacking joy in life, Lord, remind me of Your goodness through Your Word and Your Church. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Kings 4

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 126:1-6: When the Lord restored the fortunes of[a] Zion, we were like those who dreamed. 2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. 4 Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. 5 Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. 6 Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

Questions to Consider

What are the people’s reaction to victory and deliverance? Who receives the credit?
How are sadness and joy intertwined in this passage (vv. 5-6)?
How do the Gentiles respond to the joy of the Israelites? What has the Lord done in your life that might bring a similar response from unbelievers who you know?

Notes

The Israelites react with much joy. The joy manifests into laughter and songs. The Lord receives the credit.
The Lord will restore those who are in mourning and in tears with songs of joy! It is a foreshadow of the good news.
They recognize that the Lord has done great things for them.

Evening Reflection

In light of today’s theme on joy, were there situations today where the joy of the Lord sustained you? In what areas of your life do you feel like you need more joy (school, family, ministry, work, etc.)?

August 29, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on September 28, 2015.

Devotional Thought for this Morning

“Being Corrected by Someone Clearly Worse Than You”

2 King 24:1a, 10-13

In his days, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up,. . . 10 At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up to Jerusalem, and the city was besieged. 11 And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to the city while his servants were besieging it, 12 and Jehoiachin the king of Judah gave himself up to the king of Babylon, himself and his mother and his servants and his officials and his palace officials. The king of Babylon took him prisoner in the eighth year of his reign 13 and carried off all the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king’s house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold in the temple of the Lord, which Solomon king of Israel had made, as the Lord had foretold.

When “John,” who was in my youth group many years ago, wanted to speak to me in private, I just assumed that he was having problems with his parents; but I was wrong—he was having problems with me! Dumbfounded by a litany of his accusations, I surprised even myself by refraining from responding to him in anger. Was it because all his charges were groundless? Most of them were—but not everything. What galled me the most was the fact that he wasn’t exactly a model citizen—he frequently ditched school and was into pornography.

The truth is, that while we don’t necessarily mind being corrected by someone deemed wiser and holier, we recoil at the idea of being reprimanded by someone less wise and righteous than us. And that’s what troubled the Israelites upon being told that God had chosen the “ruthless and impetuous” Babylonians (Hab. 1:6), led by its cruel King Nebuchadnezzar (605-562 BC), to invade and then conquer them as a divine punishment for their idolatry and rebellion. Capturing the sentiment of the bewildered Jews, Prophet Habakkuk cried out to God, saying, “Why are you silent while the wicked (i.e., the Babylonians) swallow up those more righteous than themselves?” (v.13).

It is a hard truth to swallow, but God sometimes uses people less righteous than us to correct and rebuke us. How galling it must have been when God, through Prophet Jeremiah, declared, “I will summon . . . my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon . . . and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants” (Jer. 25:9). Of course we need to discern as to what to heed and what to disregard, since what they say is a mixed bag of some truths as well as baseless accusations. But without humility we are liable to throw everything out the window and miss out on an opportunity to grow.

Out of all that John said, one thing that I still remember was that I liked to hear myself talk; I kept it in my heart as a reminder that I ought to speak God’s word instead of mine. Keep your ears open today and perhaps you may hear something useful (as well as painful) to the well-being of your soul.

Prayer: Father, I magnify your glorious Name. I thank You that You love me enough to use anyone to correct me, so that I do not veer off to do my own thing. Lord, increase my capacity to be humble so that I’ll readily listen to the words of those sent by You to make me more Christ-like. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Kings 3

Lunch Break Study

Read Num. 22:26-32 (ESV): Then the angel of the Lord went ahead and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right or to the left. 27 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam. And Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff. 28 Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” 29 And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a fool of me. I wish I had a sword in my hand, for then I would kill you.” 30 And the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? Is it my habit to treat you this way?” And he said, “No.” 31 Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and fell on his face. 32 And the angel of the Lord said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me. 33 The donkey saw me and turned aside before me these three times. If she had not turned aside from me, surely just now I would have killed you and let her live.” 34 Then Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you stood in the road against me. Now therefore, if it is evil in your sight, I will turn back.”

Lk. 19:40: He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

Question to Consider

1. What must you assume about God making a donkey to speak to an errant prophet?

2. It is “understandable” why the prophet wouldn’t listen to a dumb animal. In what sense is that also true for us when someone tries to speak into our lives that isn’t so easy to accept?

3. What do you suppose God is saying to you these days, and who is He using to speak to you? Does the fact that God is using this particular person to speak to you make it harder to hear?

Notes

1. That all other previous, more conventional means to correct him went unheeded; that is, we better listen to God’s correction before God summons a Babylonian-like person (i.e., scary people) or a donkey-like individual (i.e., those who seemingly are below us).

2. It is always easier to dismiss people who do not look very impressive on the outside. But one undeniable fact is that throughout church history, God has used people from the margins of the society to challenge those who occupied the center of power (e.g., Luther, Wycliffe, Savonarola, Huss, etc.).

3. Personal response.

Evening Reflection

Think about all the things that you heard today that were directed to you. Then pick out things that didn’t make you feel too good. Take a moment to reflect on why it bothered you: Was it the messenger or the message? What is the Lord saying to you at this moment?

August 28, Sunday

Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought was first posted on July 5, 2015.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“What Dependence on God Looks Like”

Matthew 6: 30-33 (ESV)

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

A while ago, my dad was away on a teaching trip, and the rest of the family was at home minding their individual affairs. Suddenly, I heard a conversation occurring downstairs that sounded unusually stressful. Apparently, my brother had been notified that an important document hadn’t been correctly filled out, and the deadline was approaching within the next twelve hours. The conversation involved my brother and mom frantically trying to figure out a solution, and this continued for several minutes to no avail.

A short while later, I returned to check on the situation, and the atmosphere totally confused me: my brother was watching a movie and my mom was getting ready for bed, as if the code red situation had never taken place. When asked about whether they figured it out, my mom cheerfully said no. But she called my dad and explained the matter, after which it was assured that he would handle it. The issue remained unresolved, but everyone slept well that night because they trusted that my dad had it under control.

This is an earthly representation of how our dependence on God should be. Although there seems to always be a reason to worry (especially as adults who age, gain responsibilities, and become more aware of this world), our privilege through the Gospel is to be assured that God is in control and can handle any burden.

But a willing mind isn’t enough to make this happen; rather, true freedom comes from a deep, sustained relationship with Him. The eastern religions emphasize meditation as the practice of repeating a word or phrase to enter an effortless state of mindlessness. But Scripture clearly encourages us to actively ponder the works of the Lord, as it states in Matthew 6. Tim Keller in his book Prayer describes biblical meditation as “spiritually tasting the Scripture–delighting in it, sensing the sweetness of the teaching, feeling the conviction of what it tells us about ourselves, and thanking God and praising God for what it shows us about Him.” It is only when we discover the character of God in Scripture will we have the faith to trust Him with our burdens. Today, instead of merely saying “I need more faith” or “I should stop worrying,” let’s spend some time meditating on the Word and seeking His face. Faith in God will naturally arise from an intentional relationship with Him.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, I thank You that I can absolutely trust in your care and concern for my life. I love and I praise You for everything but most of all for your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Kings 2

August 27, Saturday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Though, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 10, 2015.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Measuring My Worth Before God”

Luke 15:25-30 (NIV)

“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. [26] So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. [27] ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ [28] The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. [29] But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. [30] But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’”

Is. 28:10 (NIV): “For it is: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there.”

During my earlier days as a Christian, I made up some good rules for myself so that I could please God. Each day in my monthly calendar, I recorded how long I prayed (timed to seconds), how many chapters of the Bible I read, etc. I felt great about myself for a while (partly because I was out-performing others), but once I couldn’t keep it up (lots of zeroes), I felt like God was displeased and even angry with me; as a result, I was joyless and felt bound.

The Pharisees, Israel’s religious leaders, to whom this parable was told (15:2), knew that the “older son,” who couldn’t stand his younger brother, represented them. They, too, couldn’t stand the sight of those whom they dubbed as “sinners,” consisting of tax collectors, who corroborated with the hated Romans, and prostitutes. Why? Because these spiritual lowlifes weren’t as holy and righteous as they who kept God’s laws. Thus, they prayed, “God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evil doers, adulterers. . . . I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get” (18:11-2). In their zeal to further differentiate themselves, the Pharisees tagged on additional rules, “such as the washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles” (Mk. 7:4). Upon seeing those who didn’t keep their rules, the Pharisees condemned them, even saying to Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders” (7:5).

Part of the reason behind the spiritual descent of the Pharisees was because they grossly mishandled the benefits that came their way as a result of honoring God. During the intertestamental period, when Israel was under the Gentile domination, many of them died as martyrs for defending the Torah; subsequently, they became very prominent and were highly respected by the Jewish people. Liking the attention, the Pharisees looked for ways to make certain that they sustained their position. In fact, they couldn’t hand out a bag of groceries to the poor without calling in the press to make sure that everyone was aware that they were obeying God (Matt. 6:2). This is how the Pharisees and the “older son” became legalistic about their own faith, while judging the rest who couldn’t keep up with them.

As for my earlier spiritual journey, after months of feeling bad, I began to see that God’s acceptance of me is based on His acceptance of Christ’s works performed on my behalf; since I’m in Christ, God accepts me apart from my own “works, so that no one can boast” (Eph. 2:9). Now, I can obey God out of gratitude and love towards Him instead of having to earn what has already been obtained in Christ.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise and glorify You this morning. All that I have and done is like a filthy rag when compared to Your amazing grace. Remind me always to appraise my worth based on the fact that You gave Your one and only Son to the world so that we might live through His death and resurrection. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 22-2 Kings 1

August 26, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional Quiet Time, provided by Christine Li, was first posted on August 12, 2016. Christine, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, serves as a deaconess at Remnant Church in Manhattan, New York.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“First World’s Largest Gnome”

John 6:14-15

“After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” 15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.”

The world’s third tallest garden gnome is located in upstate New York. According to one of my colleagues, he (the gnome) had held the record of “World’s Largest Gnome” for years until he was finally out-done by others around the world. But instead of quietly lapsing into anonymity, this gnome is still used as a tourist attraction and is billed by his owners sometimes as the “First World’s Largest Gnome.”

Humans are too susceptible to praise; we constantly create opportunities to receive others’ appreciation. Whether it is in demonstrating our expertise, slipping in humblebrags here and there, or creating strange achievements to celebrate, we are always trying to inflate our worth in others’ eyes.

Jesus, who was and is worthy of all honor and adulation, was completely uninterested in all of that. He did not need people to make Him a king; He was already a King. Because God the Father had the final word on His identity, He was free to step away from fawning crowds. By this, Jesus demonstrated who

He was ultimately working to please –the Father.

When you do something successfully, do you keep it to yourself, or do you want to somehow tell others about it afterwards? Let’s challenge each other to strive for the humility of Christ. This is certainly not an easy task, but we can start by basking in the work He has done for us and asking Him to dissociate us from the works of our hands. We might find that, as we are more satisfied in our God-given identities, we will no longer need the world’s applause. We will be free from bondage to others’ praise and free to devote ourselves fully to God’s work.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 21

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-7: You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 7 Instead, we were like young children among you.

Questions to Consider

Paul starts this section recounting his difficulties from ministry. What are potential areas of compromise for Paul?
What would have been the effects of trying to “please people” rather than pleasing God?
What keeps Paul faithful to the message and able to reject these temptations?

Notes

Paul mentions a number of pitfalls for what could detract from ministry: deceitfulness, flattering speech, seeking glory from others, manipulating others with authority.
Seeking to ’please men’ with the preaching would perhaps increase the popularity of Paul’s message. Given that Paul (and team) had suffered in Philippi, there would be temptation to compromise on boldness so the message could be accepted by others (i.e. no more beatings). However, the truth would have been compromised.
What keeps Paul true to his preaching is the knowledge that God is the witness that examines our hearts. This kind of fear and reverence for God’s holiness and presence keep Paul focused on the mission. He has a task, and he cannot swerve from it, for God is ever-present.

Evening Reflection

Seeking affirmation from others is an instinct of ours. Is there one particular area of your life that you find is harder to surrender praise for? Let’s ask God to help us in our weaknesses and for security that overrides our weakness.

August 25, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 5, 2015.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Looking Good is What This Is All About”

Lk. 10:29-31 (NASB)

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. [31] And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. [32] Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.”

Lev. 21:1 (ESV)

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them:

‘No one shall defile himself for a dead person among his people. . . .’”

Many Korean churches list the names of the church members who tithe in their Sunday bulletin. Naturally, most people would check to see, first, whether their name is included in the list, and second, whose name is not there. So, does this practice generate more revenues for the church? Not necessarily, since some people put whatever amount in an envelope and then write, “Tithe.” Apostle Paul would refer to that as “having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Tim. 3:5).

In many ways, the priest and Levite in the parable were no different: they appeared quite godly since they obeyed God’s law that kept the priests from touching the dead lest they became defiled. Especially on this day, the priest and Levite couldn’t afford to do that since, presumably, they were heading to Jerusalem because it was their division’s turn to serve in the temple. Knowing full well of the consequence of touching a dead body—“Whoever touches the dead body of any person shall be unclean seven days” (Num. 19:11)—they weren’t about to jeopardize this long awaited opportunity to shine.

But there was just one problem: the man wasn’t quite dead. Before these two made a wide turn to pass by the other side, they were close enough to hear and see a man writhing in pain. Had they touched him to help, while their fine outfit might’ve been stained by the man’s blood, it wouldn’t have made them unclean. Thus, not helping wasn’t so much that they were concerned about being defiled but that they eschewed being inconvenienced and “look[ing] out for . . . the interests of others” (Phil. 2:4); nothing was going to stop them from getting what they wanted. And like a criminal with a perfect alibi, these two had a perfect excuse: We thought he was dead and didn’t want to be late for the temple work.

Is looking good before people and getting what you want really important to you? When we live like that, we miss out on opportunities to love our neighbors in need. Let’s live our lives with a form of godliness without denying its power. When you see an opportunity love a neighbor today, just do it!

Prayer: Lord, who isn’t guilty of desiring the praise of men rather than God? I’m guilty of that a thousand times over. How many times have I pretended to be holy before men when I was full of envy and resentment! Forgive my sins and help me to care more about what You think than what men think. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 20

Lunch Break Study

Read Matt. 6:1-4 (NASB): “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. [2] So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. [3] But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, [4] so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”

Heb. 6:10 (NIV): “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”

Question to Consider

1. What drove these people to do good deeds?

2. What drives people to act like that? What do they want?

3. What should motivate us to do good deeds? What are some areas in your life that are driven by your desire to appear godly while denying its power?

Notes

1. They really craved for people’s approval; they wanted people to think that they were really righteous, generous and kind. Is it insecurity or having been reared without receiving much love? Or, is it a result of being praised too often?

2. Ultimately, it is because they have no relationship with God, by choice. They have little or no relationship with God because they don’t prioritize spending time with God. People who hunger for immediate gratification find God’s response too slow and God’s presence too intangible.

3. By faith we do good because it matters to God; we do good because of its inherent goodness; we do good because it helps people; and it is okay to do good, knowing that God will reward us.

Evening Reflection

Did we face a situation today where we acted and talked holier and more loving than what we really were inside? How can we walk more authentically with others and with the Lord? Among other things, it won’t happen without spending some alone time with Him: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10).